Before the Road Splits
Documenting Tuktoyaktuk: A Journey into the Canadian Arctic
Tuktoyaktuk, located along the edge of the Arctic Ocean in Canada’s Northwest Territories, is a place of quiet strength and cultural depth. Home to the Inuvialuit people, this northern community is shaped by centuries of tradition, the rhythms of the land, and a profound relationship with the Arctic environment.
In recent years, shifts in climate patterns have brought increasing environmental changes to the region. Coastal erosion, thawing permafrost, and unpredictable weather are gradually reshaping the landscape. While concerns about the future of the area are real, this project approaches the topic with care and respect—focusing not on disappearance, but on resilience, adaptation, and enduring presence.
This immersive documentary experience invites students to step beyond the classroom and into a community with stories that deserve to be heard. Guided by experienced filmmakers, educators, and local knowledge keepers, students will co-create a documentary that reflects not only the natural beauty of Tuktoyaktuk—its snow-covered tundra, frozen coastlines, and iconic pingos—but also the voices, values, and lived experiences of the people who call it home.
Purpose and Learning Values
This is not a tourist visit, but a collaborative, educational process rooted in listening, humility, and storytelling. Students will:
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Engage in meaningful cultural exchange with Indigenous elders, youth, and local leaders
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Learn documentary film techniques including interviewing, cinematography, and editing
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Reflect on broader themes such as climate change, cultural continuity, and the ethics of representation
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Gain hands-on experience working in small production teams under real-world conditions
By participating in this project, students will deepen their understanding of interdisciplinary learning—blending environmental science, media studies, history, and ethics—while developing soft skills such as collaboration, empathy, leadership, and creative thinking.
Itinerary Overview
The journey begins in Toronto, with a flight to Yellowknife, the capital of the Northwest Territories. From there, a private charter flight will take students into Tuktoyaktuk.
During their time in the community, students will live in safe, comfortable accommodations and enjoy locally sourced, nutritious meals. Daily schedules will include interviews, site visits, storytelling workshops, and reflection sessions.
The project culminates in the creation of a student-led short documentary, supported by professional instructors, to be screened both locally and shared with schools and organizations across Canada.
Why It Matters
In an increasingly interconnected world, the ability to understand, document, and share diverse perspectives is more important than ever. This project is not about standing out, but about standing alongside—a chance for students to connect with others in an authentic and respectful way, and to carry those lessons forward into their future studies, communities, and lives.
Our Creative Team Leaders
Experts from various industries will lead this event.
Film Director
Kingsley Lin
As the founder of Linn Portfolio Education, I have six years of experience in education, film production, and project leadership. With expertise in outdoor filming, Arctic survival, and safety management, I bring professionalism and responsibility to ensure successful execution, even in extreme conditions, delivering top-quality results.
Cinematography
Alex Xu
Canon Canada collaborative photographer, Phase One certified photographer, and contracted photographer for the ISTOCK/GETTY IMAGE library.
Alex has worked in post-production and visual effects project management in Hollywood, contributing to the post-production of films such as Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, The Lighthouse, and Big George Foreman.
Alex and Kingsley have been among the first film instructors at Linn Portfolio Education since its inception.
Safety Director
VIvienne Wang
Vivienne Wang
Producer | Co-founder of Linn Portfolio Education
Vivienne Wang is the producer of Before the Road Splits and a co-founder of Linn Portfolio Education.
In her role as producer, Vivienne is responsible for coordinating multi-layered production processes, managing communications across teams, and ensuring that each story is handled with clarity and care. She prefers to stay behind the spotlight, but her quiet persistence and steady leadership have been central to the success of Linn’s most ambitious projects.